WHAT IS THE PROJECT MAIN OBJECTIVE?

The i2connect project aims to fuel the competencies of advisors supporting interactive innovation processes to respond to multiple challenges in European agriculture and forestry.

WHAT IS INTERACTIVE INNOVATION?

A process in which actors with complementary knowledge (practical, entrepreneurial, scientific, etc.) work together to develop solutions to specific challenges, make them ready to be put into practice and disseminate results to a wider audience. Interactive innovation includes existing knowledge which is not always scientific. It encourages co-creation of practical knowledge and innovative practices.

WHAT ARE i2connect SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES?

1. To strengthen the skills, competencies and attitudes of advisors to support interactive innovation, by identifying and sharing best practices, developing tools and methods, training, and organising peer to peer learning & networking;

2. To enhance and profile the role of advisors in interactive innovation processes, at different scales: by a better understanding of the AFKIS* at country level, by identifying providers of advisory services across Europe, by creating an enabling environment within advisory services, by better connecting and embedding advisory services within the AFKIS and by appropriate public policies;

3. To create a social support network and a networking culture among advisors facilitating innovative innovation processes.

* AFKIS: agriculture and forestry knowledge and innovation systems

WHO ARE THE CONSORTIUM PARTNERS?

WHAT ARE THE PROJECT’S DATES?          November 2019 – October 2024

WHAT ARE THE WORK PACKAGES AND WHO ARE THEIR LEADERS ?

WHAT WILL BE THE PROJECT’S MAIN ACHIEVEMENTS?

• 30 updated AKIS country reports
• Inventory of advisory organisations & advisers in 30 countries
• inventory of 100 practical cases
• 40 practical innovation cases analysed & translated into best practices
• A toolbox for advisors, managers, teachers & decision makers
• 5 training of trainers & a pool of 50 trainers & 30 facilitators
• 40 training sessions & 600 advisors trained in innovation support
• 4 excellence classes & 80 managers trained
• 3 summer schools for students, 80 teachers & students trained
• 8 cross-visits & 80 advisors participating in cross-visits
• 13 pilot projects for testing best practices under different conditions
• 4 regional innovation workshops + 2 project conferences a virtual, European-wide network of advisors

WHAT ARE THE PROJECT’S EXPECTED IMPACTS?

1. Improve networking and peer-to-peer learning of advisors, stimulate the interactive role of advisors in driving innovation and provide a set of best practices for advisors, thus building a balanced and comprehensive EU-wide advisory network;

2. Increase the impact of advisors in strengthening knowledge flows between scientific research and practical implementation for more productive and sustainable agricultural practices and rural development;

3. Improve education through the development of efficient materials and specific training systems for advisors to help preserve practical knowledge in the long-term.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED IN i2connect?

• Share your successful experiences in interactive innovation support;
• Participate in i2connect training sessions, cross-visits, pilot projects, and networking activities;
• Get in touch with i2connect National Contact;
• Follow us in our social media channels.